Willamette Shore Trolley

The Willamette Shore Trolley begins limited service runs on August 16th

Each Saturday and Sunday through September, the trolley will make a round trip run from downtown Lake Oswego, through the Elk Rock Tunnel, and up to the Long Trestle in Riverdale. The length of the ride is approximately one mile. Runs will take place every hour on the hour from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. The Vintage Trolley seats 40 passengers, with additional capacity for standing.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children between the ages of 3 and 12, and free for children under the age of 3.

The trolley line runs for seven miles between Portland and Lake Oswego, along the west shore of the Willamette River. From the northern terminus at Bancroft and Moody Streets, it travels south to Gibbs Street, where it operates down the center of Moody Street, until reaching private right-of-way again at Bancroft Street.

Modern office buildings, restaurants, and condominiums may be seen in the elegant Johns Landing area. The trolley passes through the center of these attractive developments as it continues south, skirting Willamette Park. In good weather, riders may see boat moorages, marinas, and considerable boating activity.

South of the Sellwood Bridge, the trolley skirts Powers Marine Park and enters a wooded area, but the river is seldom far from view. Two high trestles, including the 686-foot Riverwood Trestle, provide spectacular views overlooking the river and its east side. As the track runs through the 1,396-foot long Elk Rock Tunnel, it makes a gradual "S" curve between the portals, creating almost total darkness at midpoint.

The line continues south through the woods and crosses another short bridge as it wends its way to Lake Oswego. Then the track runs parallel to the rails of the still-active westward branch of the Willamette Pacific and runs beside them for the last half mile to the trolley terminus, at the old Southern Pacific depot, 311 N. State Street between A Avenue and Foothills Road.

The Willamette Shore Trolley is operated by the Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society under a contract with the City of Lake Oswego. For the trolley schedule and price rates call 503-697-7436, or log onto their website (click here).